U.S. patent application number 13/588256 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for vehicular rooftop communication system.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Graham G. Marshall. Invention is credited to Graham G. Marshall.
Application Number | 20140049912 13/588256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099893 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140049912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marshall; Graham G. |
February 20, 2014 |
VEHICULAR ROOFTOP COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A vehicular rooftop communication system (200) provides
communication electronics (216) within a housing (210) formed of a
removable rooftop enclosure (212) and a base (214). The housing
(210) is removable and transferable to another vehicle. The
vehicular rooftop communication system (200) does not require any
access to the vehicle's trunk.
Inventors: |
Marshall; Graham G.;
(Shoreham, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marshall; Graham G. |
Shoreham |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
Schaumburg
IL
|
Family ID: |
50099893 |
Appl. No.: |
13/588256 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/692 ;
361/679.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3877 20130101;
H04B 1/3888 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/692 ;
361/679.01 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/03 20060101
H05K005/03; H05K 7/20 20060101 H05K007/20 |
Claims
1. A communication system for a vehicle, comprising: a housing
comprising communication electronics, the housing being formed of a
removable rooftop enclosure and a base; and the housing being
removably coupled to a rooftop of the vehicle, wherein the
communication electronics are accessible by removing the removable
rooftop enclosure while the housing is coupled to the vehicle, and
wherein the housing comprising the communication electronics is
removable and transferable to another vehicle.
2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the communication
system is not incorporated into a light system of the vehicle.
3. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the housing
comprising the communication system is removably coupled to and
from the rooftop via a mounting apparatus.
4. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the communication
electronics within the housing are cooled by a vented rooftop of
the vehicle.
5. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the communication
electronics within the housing mounted on the rooftop are
electrically coupled to a mobile radio within the vehicle.
6. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the housing further
comprises: vents for cooling the communication electronics.
7. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises: vents for cooling the communication electronics; and an
access panel for accessing the communication electronics.
8. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the communication
electronics within the housing on the rooftop comprise: a
controller; at least one antenna; and a mobile radio transceiver
coupled to the controller.
9. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle
comprises: an in-dash mobile radio; a dash mounted computer; a car
battery; and wherein the communication electronics within the
housing on the rooftop are powered by the car battery and in
communication with the in-dash mobile radio and the dash mounted
computer.
10. The communication system of claim 9, wherein the communication
electronics within the housing on the rooftop comprise: a plurality
of microphones; a power systems fuse panel; and a plurality of
cameras.
11. The communication system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
cameras comprise: a panoramic digital camera; and an automatic
License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera.
12. The communication system of claim 11, wherein the communication
electronics within the housing on the rooftop further comprise: a
multi-media router; a modem router; and a power systems fuse panel;
and the multi-media router, the modem router, the power systems
fuse panel are controlled via the controller.
13. A communication system, comprising: a housing removably coupled
to a rooftop of a vehicle; and the housing comprising a removable
rooftop enclosure and a base for encasing and accessing
communication electronics, the communication electronics
interfacing with radio electronics within the vehicle as part of a
public safety communication system.
14. The communication system, of claim 13 wherein the housing is
transferable to another rooftop of another vehicle.
15. The communication system, of claim 13 wherein: the
communication electronics are accessible by removing the removable
rooftop enclosure while the housing is coupled to the rooftop of
the vehicle; and the communication electronics are accessible by
removing the housing from the rooftop of the vehicle and then
removing the removable rooftop enclosure from the housing.
16. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the housing is
vented.
17. The communication system of claim 13, further comprising: holes
formed in the rooftop of the vehicle; apertures formed within the
base of the housing, the holes aligning with the apertures; vents
aligned with the apertures within the base; and wherein the
removable rooftop enclosure is vented using the apertures and the
vents which align with the holes of the rooftop.
18. The communication system of claim 13, wherein communication
system is accessible without accessing a trunk of the vehicle.
19. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the communication
system is independent of the vehicle's rooftop light system.
20. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the communication
electronics encased in the housing comprise: a controller; at least
one antenna; and a mobile radio transceiver coupled to the
controller.
21. The communication system of claim 20, wherein the communication
electronics encased in the housing further comprise: a plurality of
microphones; a power systems fuse panel; and a plurality of
cameras.
22. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the radio
electronics within the vehicle comprise: an in-dash mobile radio
within the vehicle; and a dash mounted computer within the vehicle.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to communication
systems and more particularly to public safety vehicular radio
communication systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Public safety equipment is often incorporated, within a
vehicular environment and typically located within the trunk of the
vehicle. Space constraints in public safety vehicles can be
problematic given the variety of vehicles and variations in
internal trunk space. Currently electronic equipment for example,
video recorders, modems, and extra fuse panels, used in public
safety vehicles are mounted in the trunk of the vehicle, often on a
sliding tray. The vehicle's trunk also stores other important hems
such as flares, traffic cones, spare tire, and medical kit, to name
a few. FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical vehicular trunk
environment 100 in which a mobile two-way radio system 102 is
installed along with a variety of non-communication type of
equipment 104. In order to move the communications equipment 102
for servicing or to another vehicle requires the disassembly and
re-assembly of the communication system.
[0003] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to have an
improved means for incorporating a public safety communication
system within a vehicular environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, together with the detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to
further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed
invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those
embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system mounted within a
vehicular trunk in accordance with the prior art.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a rooftop communication system in
accordance with the various embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the communication
system in accordance with the various embodiments.
[0008] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
[0009] The apparatus and method components have been represented
where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing
only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Briefly there is described herein, a vehicular rooftop
communication system in accordance with various embodiments. The
rooftop communication system removes all communication electronics
from the previous mounting position in the trunk to a self
contained enclosure on the roof of a public safety vehicle, such as
a police patrol car. The communication electronics may comprise not
only a mobile transceiver and controller, but also modems, fuse
box, video recorders, and multi-media units, to name a few
examples. The rooftop communication system is self contained and
re-moveable from one vehicle to another and further provides
accessibility to the communication electronics while on the
rooftop. The rooftop communication system may be vented from the
interior of the vehicle up into the enclosure. The communication
electronics within the housing are thus cooled by the vented
rooftop of the vehicle.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a communication system 200 for a vehicle
220 formed in accordance with the various embodiments.
Communication system 200 is shown in four views 202, 204, 206, and
208. In accordance with the various embodiments, the communication
system 200, as shown in view 202, comprises a housing 210 formed of
a removable rooftop enclosure 212 and a base 214 for encasing
communication electronics 216. View 204 shows the complete housing
210 coupled to the vehicle 220. View 206 shows the housing 210
removed, from vehicle 220. This view 206 also shows the housing 210
comprising removable rooftop enclosure 212 coupled with base 214,
which contain the communication electronics 216. Housing 210
containing the communication electronics 216 is thus transportable,
for example to another vehicle or removable for servicing. View 208
shows the base 214 of housing 210. As seen in views 202 and 208, a
plurality of apertures 218 may be formed within the base 214 for
venting purposes in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] Referring back to view 202, the ability to remove the
rooftop enclosure 212 from the base 214 while the housing 210 is
mounted on the vehicle 220 advantageously allows access to the
communication electronics 216 while mounted to the rooftop. Such
access can facilitate servicing of the communication electronics
216 while mounted to the vehicle. In accordance with the various
embodiments, the housing 210 can be opened while attached to the
vehicle 220, and alternatively the housing 210 can be transported
as a whole unit. Thus, the vehicular roof top communication system
200 provides versatility in that the electronics within the housing
210 can be accessed while on the rooftop or removed and transported
to another remote location.
[0013] In accordance with the various embodiments, the
communication electronics 216 interface with radio electronics
(shown later) within the interior of the vehicle 220 as well as
with towers, bases stations, and dispatch centers via antenna 240
as part of a public safety communication system. As seen in view
202, interconnectivity between the communication electronics 216 on
the rooftop 230 and the radio electronics within the vehicle 220
may be achieved via wired access 226 and/or wireless access. For
wired access 226 to the interior of the vehicle 220, a plurality of
apertures 218 are formed within the base 214 of the housing 210.
The plurality of apertures 218 formed in base 214 align with
corresponding holes 228 formed in the rooftop 230 of the vehicle
220 providing a pass-through for wired access 226 to the interior
of the vehicle 220, via for example wires, flexes, cables, or other
electronic interconnect means.
[0014] In accordance with the various embodiments, the alignment of
apertures 218 of the base 214 with holes 228 of the rooftop 230
further provide venting to the housing 210 via the vehicle's air
conditioning system. Additionally, as seen in view 208, vents 238
can be used to cover the apertures 218 and holes 228 while still
leaving space within the pass-though for wired access 226. Even for
wireless access between the communication electronics 216 and the
radio electronics within the interior of the vehicle, the housing
can be vented using the apertures 218 and holes 228 with A/C vents
238.
[0015] View 204 shows the removable rooftop enclosure 212 and the
base 214 coupled via a closure mechanism 222, which may comprises
snaps, clips, interconnecting slide interface, sliding access panel
or other interconnecting means known in the art. The closure
mechanism 222 further comprises a lock or locks 224 for securing
the contents of housing 210 while either located on the rooftop 230
of vehicle 220 or as a stand-alone unit as housing 210. The housing
210 may be mounted via a mounting apparatus 232 to the rooftop 230
of the vehicle 220. The vehicle's mounting apparatus 232 may be
formed by an adjustable strap and hook to the vehicle's door frame,
bolted directly to the roof of the car, or other mounting apparatus
means. As also seen in view 204, additional locks and securing
mechanisms can also be utilized to secure the housing 210 to the
rooftop 230 of vehicle 220. The housing 210 comprising the
communication system 200 is thus removably coupled to and from the
rooftop 230 via the mounting apparatus 232 and protected from
unsecured access via closure mechanism 222 and locks 224. Housing
210 may further comprise windowed sections 250 for any
communication electronics encompassing camera video recording.
[0016] As also seen in view 204, the communication system 200 is
independent of the vehicle's rooftop light system 260 which further
facilitates the removability and portability of the housing 210
without impacting the vehicle.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram 300 of a
communication system formed in accordance with the various
embodiments. Communication system 300 comprises the communication
electronics 216 of FIG. 2 and the interior radio components of the
vehicle 220 which comprise car battery 320, in-dash mobile radio
322, and dash-mounted mobile computer 324. The communication
electronics 216 may be accessed for example by an access panel of
housing 210 of FIG. 2 after unlocking the housing 210. The
communication electronics 216 comprise a controller 302, mobile
radio transceiver 304, power systems fuse panel 306, and antenna
240. Further communications equipment may comprise routers, such as
modem router 308 and multi-media router 310 which further
intemperate via bus lines 318 with audio and visual components
which may comprise cameras, such as digital panoramic cameras 312,
automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras 314, and
microphones 316. The communication electronics 216 housed within
the vehicular rooftop communication system 200 interoperate with
the in-dash mobile radio 322 and the dash-mounted mobile computer
324 which are located in the interior of vehicle 220. The
communication electronics 216 are powered by car battery 320 and
further interoperate with base stations, towers and the like via
antenna 240.
[0018] In accordance with the various embodiments, cooling of the
communication electronics 216 is achieved via the apertures 218
which are vented via A/C vents 238. In accordance with the various
embodiments, some of the apertures 218 and vents 238 further
provide pass-through access for wired interconnect to the car
battery 320, in-dash mobile radio 322 and dash-mounted mobile
computer 324. Thus, apertures 218 may be formed to provide a
pass-through for wired access to the interior of the car and/or for
AC venting.
[0019] Accordingly, there has been provided an improved
communication system for a vehicle. The vehicular roof top
communication system provides versatility in that the communication
electronics 216 within the housing 210 can be accessed while on the
rooftop or removed and transported to another remote location. The
communication system is thus easily serviced. The transferability
of the communication system is extremely advantageous. For example,
if a vehicle, such as a police patrol car, is involved in an
accident, it is possible that the housing 210 with communication
electronics 216 contained therein can be transferred to another
vehicle. As vehicles are replaced within a fleet of public safety
vehicles, the communication system can be transferred from vehicle
to vehicle.
[0020] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have
been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present teachings.
[0021] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a
critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all
the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims
including any amendments made during the pendency of this
application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
[0022] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first
and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," "has", "having,", "includes",
"including,", "contains", "containing" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,
includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those
elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element
proceeded by "comprises . . . a", "has . . . a", "includes . . .
a", "contains . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes,
contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or
more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms
"substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any
other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting
embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another
embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in
another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled" as used herein
is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not
necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is
"configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way,
but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
[0023] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in various embodiments for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single
disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
* * * * *